Cellulosic Nanomaterials.

Create platforms to enable commercial applications based on forest biomass

Cellulosic Nanomaterials

APPTI promotes the development of knowledge and techniques that can enable companies to develop new products and innovative features in existing products. The application of nanotechnology and nanomaterials in the paper and forest industry is a primary focal point for this work group, with a special emphasis on cellulosic nanomaterials.

Cellulose Nanofibrils

Cellulose Nanocrystals

Pilot plant at US Forest Service Products Laboratory

Goal and Strategy

Facilitate commercial development of cellulose nanomaterials for a broad range of applications through development of pre-competitive methods and technologies.Responsibly and efficiently moving cellulose nanomaterial through RD&D requires efforts in the following areas:

Develop other strategies for using nanocellulose in composite materials​

Dewatering and Drying:

Develop an economically viable dewatering and drying method that allows for re-dispersion​

​​Characterization and Testing:

Develop the ability to measure and characterize particle morphology and particle size

Development of rapid, low-cost measurement methods for control​

​High-Priority InitiativeState of Science Review PapersDevelopment of “State of Science Review” papers to identify specific knowledge gaps in parameters critical to project development for improving drying and dewatering and application in composites. Status: As of October 2017, six industry companies have agreed to contribute funding and in-kind cost-share. Two national laboratories and the US Forest Service Forest Products Laboratory will contribute in-kind cost-share. Results will guide a workshop in the fall of 2018 to develop RFP’s and proposals focused on addressing the R&D needs.